Chewy goes to Hollywood!

It seems Chewy was born for stardom.

Wherever he goes, he loves nothing better than being in the limelight, hamming it up for friends and strangers alike. A bit of a primadonna? Well, perhaps. Some may prefer to call him just grrrrreat.

Now the rest of the world could soon discover his special qualities if he passes an audition for a Disney comedy series.

Yes, that’s right, Chewy the rescue dog has gone to Hollywood after his potential was spotted by a Los Angeles company that specializes in finding animals for movies.

He has been lined up for a possible stand-in role in “Dog With A Blog”, a show about a blended family and their talking canine. It is told from the dog’s point of view.

The series premieres on Friday, Oct. 12 and will continue in its regular slot starting Sunday, Nov. 4.

Four-year-old Chewy’s own story reads like a Hollywood movie script, one with a happy ending.

He was rescued from an abusive situation about nine months ago and rediscovered human love at BARS, a non-profit group that has rescued nearly 400 animals since it began three years ago.

As he learned to trust again, Chewy’s lovable, outgoing nature began to come out in its full glory. His self-esteem grew in leaps and bounds – literally, you could say.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. He’s a dog who knows his own worth, and knows how to be appreciated.

“He loves being the centre of attention,” said Terry Colborne, BARS president and founder. “He was in the mall in St. Albert the other day and he was always attracting people. He is quite a ham.”

This summer Chewy, a cream-coloured Pyrenees cross, was BARS’ “Dog of the week”, one of Colborne’s ideas to publicize adoptable pets.

Chewy’s details were posted online and seen by Steve Solomon, who owns Good Dog Animals in Los Angeles, the equivalent of a dog talent-scouting agency. For 40 years it has trained animals for movies and television.

Solomon was looking for a double of Mike, a dog chosen to star in Disney’s upcoming show, and Chewy seemed to fit the bill.

After several phone conversations with Colborne and exchanges of emails, pictures and videos, Solomon was persuaded to apply to adopt Chewy.

And so last Saturday Chewy and his escorts boarded a WestJet plane from Edmonton for the three-hour flight to the bright lights of LA; his passage was made possible by ARTS (Animal Rescue Transfer System) Air Angels.

For Chewy’s new guardian and employer there is always eager anticipation before a new arrival.

What will Solomon be looking for in Chewy’s audition?

“He will have to be the right size and have the right disposition,” said Solomon, who has about 20 years as a trainer. “I am looking for an outgoing personality and also a willingness to learn.”

It won’t take long before Solomon assesses whether Chewy is suitable for the part.

All will not be lost if Chewy doesn’t land the role – there will be plenty of other chances for him to feature on the silver screen or on TV over the next four or five years.

“Chewy will be staying with us,” said Solomon.

For Colborne, Chewy’s departure is tinged with sadness.

“He’s been with us for nine months, so I’m going to miss him a lot,” he said.

Colborne knows, however, Chewy will be in great hands and the chance of Hollywood stardom is too good to be passed up.

“Just so long as they don’t throw him over a cliff, I’ll be happy,” he laughed.

Asked what movie star was the human equivalent of Chewy, Colborne thought for a moment, before saying: “Clint Eastwood.”